A few years ago, I flew out to tahoe for a snowboarding trip and had just purchased a brand new high end snowboard… Flew out fine and did great on the mountain… then few back to san diego and I waited forever for my snowboard which was packed in a soft case… I knew something had to be wrong… well the southwest worker looks at me cause he sees im looking for my snowboard and he makes a gesture with his hands indicating that the snowboard snapped in half. I remember in the Sacramento airport, Southwest had made me sign a waiver that they werent liable for any damage to the luggage… so I thought my brand new, used once, $800 snowboard was a goner… well, southwest ended up writing me a check on the spot. I just had to log into my email and print them a receipt since I ordered it online. And on top of that, I told them because I brought the snowboard, bindings and boots, I was able to get 10% off the snowboard… For the replacement snowboard, I wouldn’t be able to get that 10% off again so I wanted to get the full retail value refunded… the guy said no problem and immediately printed a check…
Now that is what I call customer service!
Okay so this story doesnt have to do with bikes but I think depending on the airline, they can make it right, or they can screw you over!!! BTW, I had a very bad experience with United last year when I few out to Kansas for a deer hunting trip, and they flew my luggage to Pennsylvania by mistake 
As good as that experience is I’m doubtful it’ll occur with a 5k tribike damaged.